I have a very busy day in the dye studio ahead. There are lots of stars and gradients to dye. There's no sewing or quilting ont he agenda today but that's OK because I love a day in the dye studio more than just about anything else!
While I'm downstairs lets check in on the nest boxes. Unfortunately I have some bad news. Something got the Bluebird nest. It's probably a raccoon or opossum. It chewed the opening larger and destroyed the nest. That's one box that will need to be replaced next year!
Box 1 is CRAMMED full of birds! The Tree Swallows are growing like crazy and will likely fledge soon. It will not be too soon because their box is coming apart! Can you see that opening on the right side in the back? The side wall is separating from the back. It's still pretty sturdily attached to the base so we think it will be fine but this is another box that will need to be replaced next year.
This is box 3 and if you look closely under the female you can see the butt end of a newly hatched chick. These will be fully hatched in the next day.
Let's hope the critters stay away from these 2 boxes.
I imagine the parent birds are having a time feeding all those babies. Can you imagine that many mouths coming at you at once in competition for the food?
Posted by: Wanda | June 06, 2012 at 11:49 AM
Wow - that's a box FULL of birds.
I see a color palette in the Momma - you've probably already done it as a gradient!
Posted by: Becky in VA | June 06, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Mom is gorgeous! The swallows are ambitious! I can't imagine how they all move (and poop) in that space. LOL! Have fun dyeing!!!
Posted by: Jeannie | June 06, 2012 at 01:47 PM
How wonderful to watch nature that closely! But how sad to lose the bluebirds :( We have a new bluebird house and I'm concerned that it will break my heart if that happens. I know it's nature but I've got such a wimpy heart for the helpless things like baby birds. I just love the colors of the mama in Box 3! Wow - she's beautiful! Have fun dyeing some luscious fabrics :*)
Posted by: Teresa in Music City | June 06, 2012 at 04:09 PM
My goodness - all those birds in one box...those poor parents must be run ragged keeping them fed! So sad that something got the other babies, but such is the balance of nature.
Posted by: Mary Anne | June 06, 2012 at 05:35 PM
Thanks Vicki for keeping us posted on the bird boxes.
What a beautiful tree swallow on her nest.
It is a real treat to see these images.
I imagine you walking from box to box with your camera, peeking in and taking the photos.....Thanks!
LuAnn in Oregon
luannkessi.blogspot.com
Posted by: LuAnn Kessi | June 08, 2012 at 01:34 PM